August 12, 2006

UK ban extended to the US: Kieren Fallon has has his ban against racing in the Arlington Million upheld. Despite being allowed to race in many other countries the Illinois racing officials have said they must honour the UK suspension.

posted by Fence to other at 03:40 PM - 6 comments

So much for innocent until proven guilty.

posted by Fence at 03:41 PM on August 12, 2006

Couldn't read the story, I am not a subscriber.

posted by kidrayter2005 at 03:48 PM on August 12, 2006

Sorry, I've a bugmenot extension so tend to forget about login; their full list for the ChicagoTribune is here, just in case this one doesn't work: Username: goto.www@nephesh.net Password: nepheshing

posted by Fence at 03:57 PM on August 12, 2006

So much for innocent until proven guilty. If you were working as a bank teller and someone accused you of stealing on a regular basis, would you expect to turn up for work on Monday morning and continue as normal? If I went to a racetrack and saw Fallon's name on a racecard I wouldn't be putting any money on his horse, put it that way.

posted by afx237vi at 06:00 PM on August 12, 2006

Fallon hasn't been accused of race-fixing per se though, but of the horseracing version of insider trading. Or so I've read. And since his UK ban he has won plenty of races elsewhere. I'm not saying that he isn't without his controversies, but accusation is not proof. Not even close. If he is found guilty then fair enough. Ban him and jail him. And yes, while under criminal investigation in England I can see why he shouldn't be allowed race there, but until then I'd be perfectly happy to put money on Fallon's horses

posted by Fence at 06:15 PM on August 12, 2006

According to his Wikipedia entry, he's been charged with "offences relating to allegations of fixing the outcome of horse races between December 1, 2002, and September 2, 2004, and money laundering". From what I understand, hasn't he been accused of laying his horses on betting exchanges (essentially backing the field against his horse) and then riding not to win? The way I see it, horse racing is a sport in which the integrity of a fair race is absolutely essential in the eyes of the spectators, simply because it's their money on the line.

posted by afx237vi at 08:27 AM on August 13, 2006

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